The Essential DC: Our 2020 Person of the Year

When the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., many businesses were forced to close their doors. Fortunately, chiropractic was deemed essential in almost every state. Even so, many non-medical health care providers chose to close their doors, rather than risk exposure to the virus.

Not so with approximately 80 percent of U.S. doctors of chiropractic.¹ These doctors kept their practices open and continued to serve their patients and communities. In doing so, many saw significant numbers of new patients learn about the benefits of chiropractic for the first time.

During this unprecedented time, we have received a number of reports from DCs that shed light on how consumers have been discovering chiropractic:

• A DC on the West Coast reported new patients making appointments at the recommendation of the local hospital, which stated it couldn't see the patients for their back pain. The hospital told patients they should find a chiropractor who was still practicing and see them instead. This same doctor had one of their best months ever during this time.
• Several DCs have shared stories of medical offices that were not accepting appointments for non-critical care and directed patients to seek chiropractic care instead.
• Multiple DCs have reported that new patients came in for care rather than seeing their primary MD, as they were concerned about virus exposure in a medical office and believed a chiropractic office was safer.
• A number of DCs have converted small buses into offices in order to provide mobile chiropractic care to those who can't or don't want to leave their homes. (Please see "Taking Chiropractic Mobile" in this issue for one example.)
• A doctor in the Midwest had a patient with a broken leg come into his office for care, stating he didn't want to go to the hospital. The DC was able to provide X-rays and ultimately ensure the patient got the care he needed.

The above are just a few of the stories reported to us, but we assume there are countless other examples. By continuing to practice, DCs across the county have demonstrated their courage and dedication to their communities during this most difficult time. In doing so, they likely changed many opinions about chiropractic and chiropractors that will benefit the profession for years to come.

To you and all who have served during COVID-19, we salute you, Dynamic Chiropractic's Chiropractors of the Year, with our annual award.

Reference

1. Dynamic Chiropractic's Practicing During a Pandemic Survey, conducted April 17, 2020.